Redefining the Modern Queen
On March 15, She Talks Asia hosted a transformative conversation highlighting inspiring women leaders. Among them was Marla Garin-Alvarez, Vice President and Head of the Sustainability Office at BDO Unibank, Inc. In her role, she leads the execution of BDO’s sustainability framework and strategies, overseeing policy development, program evaluation, and the publication of the annual BDO Sustainability Report. She works closely with various business units and subsidiaries to ensure alignment with global standards and best practices in sustainability reporting.
In a separate segment, Justine Cordero-Em, CEO of HyveSports PH and Founder of Women’s Fitness Asia, took the stage. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment through fitness and leadership, she shared powerful insights drawn from her own journey. Together, these women inspired attendees with thought-provoking perspectives on leadership, financial independence, and holistic well-being.
Marla Garin-Alvarez, Vice President and Head of Sustainability Office at BDO Unibank
Key Takeaways from Justine Cordero-Em:
Justine Cordero-Em beautifully articulates that there is no singular definition of being a queen. “You can be a queen at your own pace. You can be a queen at home, a queen in your career—women can be a queen in whatever they do.”
Justine Cordero -Em, Founder of Women’s Fitness Asia
Stepping In Without Fear – Fitness is not just about physical strength but also mental resilience. Women are inherently strong and capable of overcoming challenges, making resilience an integral part of their journey.
The Power of Passion and a Strong Support System – Passion fuels perseverance, but even the most driven individuals experience burnout. Surrounding oneself with the right people—those who uplift, support, and inspire—is crucial in navigating life’s ups and downs.
Embracing Intuition as a Strength – Women possess an incredible gift of intuition, allowing them to shift between emotional and logical thinking. Rather than viewing emotions as a weakness, embracing them as a source of power can lead to better decision-making and deeper connections.